Clayton, who was at the Mail for 14-years, left in 2018 to become Head of TalkSPORT.
Ted Verity, Editor of Mail Newspapers, said: “As a leader and innovator, Lee is the best in the business and I am delighted that he’s coming home to the Mail. Four years of hurt while he was away, never stopped me dreaming.
“I’m certain Lee’s knowledge and passion – combined with the unrivalled brilliance of our newspaper and online teams – will make this one of sport’s greatest comebacks.”
Previously Clayton oversaw all sports coverage across the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and Mail Online.
Under his leadership, the Daily Mail was judged sports newspaper of the year four times between 2013 and 2016 at the SJA British Sports Journalism Awards.
He will be charged with overseeing DMGT Media’s sports output around the world, creating new sports content streams and reflecting the growth in multiple digital platforms.
Clayton, 52, added: “I am delighted that I will be working once again at DMGT in a global role that will look to expand the Mail's status as a leading publisher of sports content on the world stage.
“I am hugely passionate about the world of publishing and creating bespoke content and am excited to be re-joining a fantastic team in this new adventure.”
He starts his new role on 23 January 2023.
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